---
title: 'New Zealand, Cook Islands Enter Into Defense Pact, Ending Quarrel Over China Deal'
url: 'https://thediplomaticinsight.com/new-zealand-cook-islands-defense-pact/'
author: 'Muhammad Usman Hashmi'
date: '2026-04-03T18:40:00+05:00'
categories:
  - 'Oceania/Pacific'
---

# New Zealand, Cook Islands Enter Into Defense Pact, Ending Quarrel Over China Deal

**Rarotonga (TDI):** New Zealand and the Cook Islands have signed a defense and security declaration on Wednesday, resolving a diplomatic dispute that began after the Cook Islands formed a strategic partnership with China last year.

New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown signed the Declaration on Defense and Security during Peters’ official visit. 

The agreement reaffirms the free association relationship established in 1965 under the Cook Islands Constitution Act 1964. It also restores roughly NZ$29.8 million in annual New Zealand funding support that had been paused for two financial years.

The Cook Islands operates as a self-governing nation in free association with New Zealand. Its approximately 15,000 residents hold New Zealand citizenship according to the 2021 census and New Zealand holds constitutional responsibility for the defense of the archipelago. 

On 14 February 2025, Prime Minister Mark Brown signed a comprehensive strategic partnership with China covering deep-sea mining, regional cooperation, and economic issues.

**Read More: [UK, New Zealand Forge Closer Defense Ties, Step Up Support for Ukraine](https://thediplomaticinsight.com/uk-nz-step-up-support-for-ukraine/)**

 New Zealand expressed concern over the lack of prior consultation and transparency on matters affecting shared security interests. Wellington paused the funding in response.

The declaration states that the Cook Islands treats New Zealand as its partner of choice on defense and security matters. Both partners commit to act in good faith, consult regularly on defense and security issues, and share information transparently. 

New Zealand reaffirms its role as the primary defense and security partner and commits to an uplift in New Zealand Defense Force engagement. The Cook Islands retains control over its exclusive economic zone, land territory, and airspace while permitting New Zealand Defense Force access to fulfill shared defense mandates.

The document emphasizes that no activities, agreements, or arrangements with third parties will compromise the principles of the free association relationship or the security of the Realm of New Zealand. The declaration restores full bilateral cooperation and funding flows immediately.

Peters said the declaration removes earlier ambiguity and brings clarity for both governments and their partners in an increasingly complex Pacific strategic environment, while Brown welcomed it as a forward-looking step that addresses past concerns.